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We all know exercising and practicing movement is good for us. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has re-emphasized the importance of exercise and focusing on your fitness like never before. While we were cooped up at home, many of us started working out regularly and found different activities to stay active.
This movement to inculcate fitness and focus on your health and wellness during Covid-19 has been nothing short of a walk back home. It has put so many things in perspective for us.
Physical activity and working out may help in flushing out bacteria from the lungs and airways, reducing the chances of getting a cold, flu, and other illnesses. Regular exercise can cause changes in the antibodies and the disease-fighting white blood cells (WBCs) of our body. It causes the antibodies and WBCs to circulate more rapidly, which aids in the early detection of illnesses and may help in preventing severe infections. Practicing physical activity strengthens the immune system, suggesting a better response to viral communicable diseases.
Lack of adequate exercise and regular physical activity is one of the primary causes of various chronic conditions and diseases. Exercising regularly has been shown to improve heart health, insulin sensitivity, and body composition. Regular exercising may also have positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Finding movement and exercising regularly has especially shown to be beneficial in reducing the incidence or preventing certain chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, and several kinds of cancer. All of these conditions may prove to be a risk factor in an unfortunate Covid-19 infection. Hence, working out regularly can help reduce the risk of severe infection of the Covid-19 virus.
Mental health has been a huge concern throughout the world, especially so during the pandemic. The decline in our social lives and emotional health is something most of us have been facing. Not to forget the imminent fear about Covid-19, which has been distressing. However, exercising and physical activity have proven to be helpful in improving mood as well as mental health. It has shown to decrease feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. When we exercise, our body boosts the production of endorphins, which has positive effects on our mind and mood. Regular exercising can also improve brain function and protect memory.
A huge takeaway from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and resultant isolations and lockdowns has been that we as human beings can survive through situations, even when there is very little at our disposal. While many people set up at-home gyms in order to work out and feel better, you do not need to do that.
Small investments in workout equipment such as dumbbells, yoga mats, resistance bands, etc. can go a long way in helping you do effective workouts that meet your fitness levels. We do not really need fancy equipment and gym memberships. Whether you are in isolation, or on a holiday, the idea of squeezing in a workout to get fitter and just feel better is familiar now. Learning to embrace technology and the world of online fitness programs can go a long way. By now, we’ve learned that we can reap the benefits of workout no matter where we are as long as we have the will.
The pandemic saw people all over the world trying different at-home workouts to stay active and exercise. While the gyms and workout studios were closed, many people took up different kinds of at-home workouts such as yoga, pilates, tabata, zumba, etc.
Additionally, activities such as gardening, household chores, climbing stairs, playing with kids, walking during phone calls, using standing desks, and so on can also be a great way to stay active throughout the day. In fact, picking up hobbies and enrolling ourselves in different classes has been huge during the pandemic. Trying things such as hiking, rock-climbing, dance classes, hula hoop training, etc. are certain activities that are as much fitness-oriented as they are fun. Trying different things and keeping them interesting can also be a valuable addition to your fitness as well as your creativity and mental health. It is something we should all hold on to.
If you’ve been listening, you already know that eating healthy and keeping yourself fit is your biggest armor against the virus and simply the way to go in life. While it may feel like things are beyond our control right now, what we can do is take charge of our health and fitness. We have the ability to build our health and this is the right time to do it.
